Kathy Ryan
Licensed Therapist, MA, LMHC
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As your OCD therapist, I will build trust and create a specialized treatment plan based on what's preventing you from having the quality of life you want. Expect an empathic and non-judgmental response to anything you share. (I have Tourette's Disorder, with tics and OCD symptoms I've learned to manage over the years.) We will work at your pace, but you'll be challenged at times to make changes that break the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. My other areas of focus include suicide intervention, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, and crisis management.
As your OCD therapist, I will build trust and create a specialized treatment plan based on what's preventing you from having the quality of life you want. Expect an empathic and non-judgmental response to anything you share. (I have Tourette's Disorder, with tics and OCD symptoms I've learned to manage over the years.) We will work at your pace, but you'll be challenged at times to make changes that break the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. My other areas of focus include suicide intervention, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, and crisis management.
Location
Licensed in Alaska, Oregon, Utah, Washington
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Hoarding disorder, Children and Adolescents
LGBTQ+ affirming
Cultural competencies
Agnosticism, Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism
Education
Chapman University
Insurance
Plans accepted by Kathy
Aetna, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Curative, EMI Health, Forest County Potawatomi, GEHA, Healthcare Management Administrators, Horizon BCBS, Independence Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Moda Health, Partners Direct Health, Regence Blue Cross, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Oregon, Regence Group Administrators, UHC Student Services, UMR - The Alliance, United Health Care Student Services, United Healthcare,
Want to work with Kathy?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Kathy
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
I have OCD. I also have Tourette's, and my husband has OCD, along with two of my children. My background has taught me to accept people for who they are and I approach life with the belief that everybody has a right to be here. I use my life experience and professional experience to help others and support them in being their best selves.
How I create a welcome, safe and supportive environment in therapy
I like to ask what you're looking for in treatment, what's worked for you in the past, and what hasn't. I use active listening so you have space to tell your story. If it's appropriate, I'll make myself vulnerable and share parts of my own experience, but my focus is always on helping you feel comfortable. My Members tell me I have a good sense of humor, and that I challenge them, while moving at their own pace.
What I want to help you see in yourself
I want you to feel empowered to make good decisions, challenge your OCD symptoms, and increase your level of functioning—to do things you haven't been able to do in a very long time. You need to hear that there is hope, that treatment works, and that you can get better if you invest effort and time into your treatment.
My message to you if you're considering therapy
I'll work with you to help you achieve your exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy goals. I'm flexible around schedules, so you can stay engaged and fit treatment into your life. I show up fully for every single one of my Members, and every single session, regardless of how I'm feeling that day. I know you're taking time out of your day and putting in effort to meet with me, and I consider that a great honor.
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